The Times Apologises To FIFA, Infantino Over False Salary, Property Claims

British newspaper The Times has apologised to FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, after admitting that allegations concerning an undisclosed second salary and a questionable property transaction in Miami were incorrect.

The newspaper issued the apology following its October 13, 2026, report, which claimed that Infantino had received a second salary from FIFA that was not disclosed in the world football governing body’s financial records.

In its correction, The Times acknowledged that no such second salary existed and clarified that FIFA was not required under Swiss reporting regulations to include expenses and reimbursements received by Infantino as compensation in its annual report.

“On 13 October 2026 (Sport), we reported that Gianni Infantino received a ‘second salary’ from Fifa, which Fifa had failed to disclose. This is incorrect. There was no ‘second salary,'” the newspaper stated.

The Times also withdrew allegations concerning a Miami property, acknowledging that Infantino had not purchased the property at a suspected undervalue, contrary to its earlier report.

The newspaper further accepted that neither Infantino nor members of his family were legal or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC, a company linked to the allegations, and that they exercised no control over the company.

“We are happy to make these corrections and apologise to Mr Infantino and Fifa for the errors,” the newspaper stated.

Reacting to the apology, FIFA welcomed the retraction but expressed concern over what it described as repeated attempts to damage the reputation of the organisation and its president.

The world football governing body referred to an earlier statement issued in August, in which it alleged that some individuals and groups were engaged in a sustained campaign to undermine its leadership.

FIFA urged media organisations to exercise greater responsibility in their reporting, particularly when dealing with allegations capable of damaging the reputations of individuals and institutions.

The organisation maintained that journalists had a legitimate responsibility to scrutinise its activities but insisted that such scrutiny must be based on accurate information and properly verified sources.

“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a license to amplify false allegations,” the governing body stated.

It added that it would continue to challenge reports it considered inaccurate, misleading or defamatory.